December 6, 2016. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has launched a website to provide the public with information about their mission: "the effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development.”

Vatican launches new website for the Protection of Minors from sex abuse

December 6, 2016. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has launched a website to provide the public with information about their mission: "the effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development.”

Vatican launches new website for the Protection of Minors from sex abuse

December 6, 2016. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) has launched a website to provide the public with information about their mission: "the effective protection of minors and a commitment to ensure their human and spiritual development.”

The story behind the wooden staff used by the Pope

2015-07-07

In the two Masses which the Pope has celebrated in Ecuador this wooden staff has attracted attention. This isn't any old staff; in fact, the Pope is quite fond of it.

It is a replica of a staff that was carved by convicts in San Remo, Italy, and which Francis used during his trip to the Holy Land last year. It was damaged there, and he was later given an exact replica made of olive wood in Bethlehem.

This was not the only incident Francis has had with a staff. During his trip to Sarajevo in June his staff broke and it had to be fixed with tape.

The Pope's staff is a sign of his pastoral office as bishop of Rome.

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The story behind the wooden staff used by the Pope>

In the two Masses which the Pope has celebrated in Ecuador this wooden staff has attracted attention. This isn't any old staff; in fact, the Pope is quite fond of it.

It is a replica of a staff that was carved by convicts in San Remo, Italy, and which Francis used during his trip to the Holy Land last year. It was damaged there, and he was later given an exact replica made of olive wood in Bethlehem.

This was not the only incident Francis has had with a staff. During his trip to Sarajevo in June his staff broke and it had to be fixed with tape.